[obiwan]

So big company meeting yesterday, the place I have worked the last 9 years or so was purchased by MTV networks (viacom) which means our previously worthless options are now going to bring in a pretty nice chunk of change. I'm 44, married 2 kinds under 7 with 1 more due in October. I commute 2.5 hours each way 4 days a week, spend a lot of time away from my family.

I am really strongly leaning towards taking my options cash, vacation pay and a 3 month severance package and leaving. I figure if I am ever going to make the photog business work this is my golden chance.

Scary proposition to say the least. Am I a loon to even be thinking these sorts of thoughts? I figure I would need a day job to get me out of the house and to bridge the gap in what I make now versus what I might pull in being a full timer.

I'm sure this will be a hard sell to the Mrs. too....

 

[bipto]

For what it's worth, IMO there is no reward without risk. Having a family means that you may have to be a bit more cautious finacially than some, but that's no reason not to follow your dream... Good luck! :thumbs_u:

 

[MAGNUM8R]

Think long and hard.
You will do great at whatever you want to do!!
Obiwan, I met you at the Drags up in Sac, I can tell you are a thinker!!
Make your dreams come true, you will be successfull if want to be.
I know you will always take care of your Family, you know that comes first before anything!!

 

[iamkungfool]

Fortune favors the bold. leap, and the net will appear. Just do it.

seriously, no question man. worst case scenario you have to go back? at least you can say you tried.

 

[GasGunR]

Never quit a job without a new one and never burn a bridge when it comes to employment.

That's my advice.

Best of luck Obi!

Don

 

[GoofyTimL]

If you have thought out a business plan for Photog, and believe you can execute it, the go for it. If this is only wishful thinking with no plan, then maybe this is premature.

However, the 2.25hr commute would be a big reason to take the money and run to find other options if I were you.

 

[obiwan]

Hey I know, if I do leave that will give me time to figure out what is wrong with the blasted Magnum and fix it

 

[obiwan]

If you have thought out a business plan for Photog, and believe you can execute it, the go for it. If this is only wishful thinking with no plan, then maybe this is premature.

However, the 2.25hr commute would be a big reason to take the money and run to find other options if I were you.

The pisser is I don't have the time or energy to grow and build the business working the hours I do. I can maybe shoot once a month and spend the time processing the images. With my options, vacation pay and severance we could maintain the same life style we currently do for no less than 12 months, probably closer to 18 months.

Chances like these only come around once if ever during your life, it is something that is going to require deep thought and lots of prayers before I can jump ship.

 

[Slick Magnum]

Don't over think it, just do it!!!

 

[da BoMM]

I can say from experience, take the leap of faith -- if you don't you will always wonder what might have been. Not to say, don't tighten up the budget, and plan a leaner meaner existance for awhile. If you plan it right everything will fall in place.

The signs are there -- the opportunity's there -- seize it.:thumbs_u: